Don't Declare Bankruptcy...Learn to Pay Off Debt

I read this amazing article today, and hope it will encourage everyone who feels weighed down by their debts. I have known people that had an insurmountable amount of debt, declared bankruptcy, but then continued to not handle their money well. Instead of the easy way out, the Hildebrandts decided that they needed to get to the root of their debt- not making wise choices - and went to a Consumer Credit Counselor. They were able to pay off over $100k of debt in about four years. I think many of us can relate to this couple; they were Christians who committed to tithe and did not live lavishly, but just needed some help making better decisions. Be encouraged today that you too can get out of debt!!!

Read their story here.

Preparing to Stay at Home

I came across this amazing article today that I wanted to share. I agree whole-heartedly with everything in it; if I knew what I know now, I would have started preparing way earlier (financially) to have children. But when we get locked into a two-income situation, it feels almost impossible to get out.

I remember being newly married, and wanting to have kids in the future (5 years out). I thought I had time. I also knew I wasn't positive I wanted to be a stay at home mom. But what I did know was that I enjoyed working and knew there was nothing wrong with that. However, if I knew then what I knew now, I would have started preparing to have children (financially). Because nobody wants to have a new baby AND the weight of the world on your shoulders, feeling that you HAVE to bring in income or you won't be able to feed your family.

However, if you feel stuck right now, and God is moving you in the direction to work less or stop working altogether, He WILL provide. I know from experience!! We have to make wise choices, stop spending so much, and stop wanting what we don't have. But it can happen!

Timeless wisdom. I hope this encourages you, and please pass it on to every young woman you know!!

Ten Things Now to Stay at Home Later

Financial Help

In these hard economic times, it can sometimes feel like there is no hope financially and nowhere to turn. But there are actually a lot of resources out there to help you handle your money, even when you don't think you have any. Most people I know were never taught how to budget and go through their whole adult lives just "winging it" financially. It helps to have help, someone to look at your finances and tell you how you can make better choices to achieve the goals you have. One resource that has helped people I know is Consumer Credit Counseling. This organization helps you to get out of debt, negotiating with your creditors to lower your interest rate and even the amount owed. They offer help when you cannot pay your mortgage, your rent and your bills. They help you to avoid foreclosure on your house. They will work with you so that you do not have to file for bankruptcy, and will help you to rebuild your credit. In addition, they offer courses on finances. If you are hurting financially, most of the time you cannot get out of the hole on your own. So why not make the call? Here are some helpful links if you need help:

Consumer Credit Counseling
Consumer Credit Counseling of Orange County (CA)
By Design Financial Solutions
Christian Debt Consultants

More Food Savings

A friend of mine just told me about this great ministry called "Angel Food Ministries", where you can purchase greatly discounted boxes of food for your family.  Every month they have a menu that shows what food is available, and the boxes are $30 each.  For example, their October box includes:

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)

4.5 lb. (Avg) Split Chicken Breast Family Tray Pack
26 oz. Heat and Serve Meatloaf and Brown Gravy
1 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strips
1 lb. Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops (4 x 4 oz.)
1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
1 lb. All Meat Hot Dogs
1 lb. Frozen Sliced Carrots
1 lb. California Blend Vegetables
1 lb. Pasta
28 oz. Marinara Sauce
48 oz. Hawaiian Punch
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk
12 ct. Corn Tortillas
One Dozen Eggs
One Dessert Item

In addition, they have a Senior Box with prepared meals, for those loved ones in your life who may live alone or need help preparing dinner. If you purchase one of the boxes of food, you also qualify to buy one their "specialty boxes" such as a "Meat and Chicken Combo" or "T-Bone Box" or a "Fruit and Veggie Box" for only $21.

You can read more about it on their website, but all of their food is restaurant grade, not factory seconds or day-old. You do not have to meet a certain income requirement, either.

There are "host sites" in almost every state; just go to this link to find the one nearest you!

Emotional Shopping

Recently I was feeling really overwhelmed at home, and decided that I needed to get out of the house. I got in the car and headed down the street, feeling the urge to go shopping, which is fun and relaxing for me. I realized that I was getting excited about the prospect of finding some good deals, and I felt my stress and anxiety turn to happiness and excitement as I drove towards the shopping center. I also thought that maybe after I went shopping, I could go pick up a cupcake at the bakery on the way home. "That will make me feel better!" I thought. But this time was different. I felt really strongly that I needed to turn around and go the other way; I needed to go park the car in front of a park by my house. Normally I would just ignore this "sense" and keep driving, but I couldn't do that this time. I felt like I really needed to go park at the park.

So, this time I listened. I drove to the park and sat in the car. It was silent. I wondered "What am I doing here?!" As I sat in the silence in the warmth of my car, my emotions swept over me and I started to cry. I allowed myself to feel what I had been trying to push away. I felt overwhelmed. I felt sad. I felt angry. I felt tired. So I just sat in the car and cried. Definitely not what I had been planning to do. Then I prayed. I prayed for a long time. I prayed through all of my emotions, I asked God my tough questions, and I sat in the silence. After awhile, for the first time in a long time, I felt peace.

God spoke to my heart that day in the car. He reminded me that I was seeking pleasure and fulfillment through my "shopping spree" instead of going to Him. I realized that I do that a lot. Many times when I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed, right when my husband gets home, I will jet out of the house for some "alone" time and go shopping. I spend money on things I don't really need, including food that I think will help me feel better, and try to cover my emotions with temporary pleasure.

Just like there are emotional eaters, there are also emotional shoppers. Many people do both (including me - note the reference to CUPCAKES?!) :) Next time you feel the "need" to go shopping, just stop. Ask yourself if you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed or tired. Is that why you are going shopping? If so, turn that car around and find a park. You may find more peace and joy than you ever would at the store. You will also save your pocketbook! :)